Thank you for your interest in volunteering for Guys Read Gals Read (GR2). This information in this application helps us maintain an accurate contact list and will not be shared with any other organization or used for any other purpose not directly related to GR2.
and tailored to your availability. That could mean just one single reading, or multiple readings in a week. We also understand that you may not be available for one cycle (see notes below), but want to be kept in the loop for the next.
Scheduling does not occur solely based on the submission of this form. We understand that individuals often have varying commitments that can change on any given week. Prior to each Guys Read or Gals Read cycle, the Program Coordinator will contact all current volunteers to provide information about orientation options, a written 'Meet the Books' synopsis, general scheduling parameters, etc.
Responding to that email is important! You will be asked to provide your specific availability for the upcoming cycle and any other scheduling notes the Coordinator should know.
30-minute orientations are offered in the weeks prior to each GR2 cycle. During this short visit, we go over the books that have been selected and any equipment that will be used. We will also discuss best practices and what to expect during a reading session (see notes below). This is important for new volunteers. Seasoned volunteers can also benefit from these orientations as a refresher, especially to 'meet the books' each cycle.
Notes regarding GR2 volunteering, terminology, etc.:
- 'Cycle' refers to a two-week period of either Guys Read OR Gals Read, during which each school will have four total sessions.
- 'Session' refers to a single 30-minute reading period at a specific school. Arriving a little ahead of time is important, but the total time commitment for any given session is no more than 45 minutes!
- 'Reader' refers to the volunteer who will read out loud to the children.
- 'Page Turner' refers to the the volunteer who will be stationed at the projector, holding the book under the camera/light, and turning as the Read progresses through the book so the children can follow along on the larger screen. (Page Turners are more than welcome to add commentary, especially pointing out things in the illustrations that might be important for the audience to not miss!)
- Some volunteers prefer to handle both roles during their Session. Feel free to share that with the Coordinator.
- When two volunteers are present, which is our goal for scheduling each cycle, those assigned can decide between them who will read and who will turn pagers.
- Volunteers ARE welcome to swap roles during a session, if desired.
For additional information about the GR2 program, scheduling, volunteering, etc. feel free to contact the Program Coordinator, Colt Chase, at coltchase907@gmail.com or call/text 907-378-7273
